$368,044Average Value$303Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Future tennis stars train in this central Wilmington community
Airlie has its famed gardens, and downtown has its beloved riverwalk. What attracts people to Wilmington's Empie Park neighborhood is its large tennis complex named in honor of a local legend. “People almost call it a public country club. It’s really a welcoming, humble place,” says Althea Gibson Tennis Complex manager Tari Ann Toro-Steinmetz. The popular facility is the main to-do in Empie Park, the neighborhood’s namesake green space. Tennis isn’t the only draw to this community that rests along the busy commercial corridor of U.S. Highway 17, about a mile from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. “It’s pretty centrally located. You’re 15 minutes from the beach, 10 minutes from downtown, and the new concert venue: The Live Oak Bank Pavilion,” says Toro-Steinmetz. The longtime Wilmington resident adds that Independence Mall and the Hanover Center, two retail hotspots, are conveniently within walking distance.
Less than a mile from Independence Mall
Whether running errands or shopping for fun, Empie Park residents are only a few blocks from the bustling stores along Highway 17 (Oleander Drive). There’s a constant flow of shoppers at the Hanover Center, anchored by a Harris Teeter, Homesense and Hobby Lobby. Residents can refuel with a cappuccino or smoothie from Drift Café. The local coffee shop chain features a bright dining area with sea foam green accents and cozy wooden booths. Dozens of national retailers such as Belk, Dillard’s and American Eagle are across the street at Independence Mall, which sees its highest foot traffic on Fridays and Saturdays. After working up an appetite, residents have various fast-casual eateries to choose from, like First Watch, Panera Bread and Cava. Local restaurants, including Little Loaf Bakery & Schoolhouse and La Brasa Mexican Taqueria and Restaurant, can be found on the other side of the neighborhood along the quieter Wrightsville Avenue. The street is dotted with longtime local businesses including The Coat of Arms Lounge, a casual spot for beer and pool, and Two Wheeler Dealer, the neighborhood’s full-service bike shop. “It’s been around for decades,” Toro-Steinmetz says.
For retail therapy, Empie Park residents can walk to Independence Mall.
Empie Park locals choose Harris Teeter to restock their pantries.
1/2
Single-story homes surrounded by trees
The dense residential streets of Empie Park vary: from two-lane roads with a country feel to boulevards with wide, grassy medians and sidewalks. Tall pine trees tower over the Craftsman bungalows, cozy cottages and low-lying ranch-style homes that make up most of the architectural offerings. Two-story builds are hard to come by. Homes usually are three-bedroom, typically built between the 1950s and 1960s, resting on modestly landscaped yards of about a third of an acre or less. Driveways, either paved or gravel, are common, and some ranch-style homes have attached carports. Prices here are well below the Wilmington area average of $549,000, ranging from $300,000 to $525,000. There are also a handful of condo communities with two-bedroom units in the $200,000s. Potential buyers should note that this neighborhood has a risk of flooding, though it's lower than communities closer to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Cape Fear River. Hurricanes are also possible.
Some homes in Empie Park have cozy front porches.
Homes in Empie Park sit under mature oak trees.
1/2
Train like Althea Gibson at Empie Park
The neighborhood’s namesake, Empie Park, draws visitors from across the city. It’s home to the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex, titled in honor of the tennis trailblazer who sharpened her skills as a teenager in Wilmington before becoming the first Black tennis player to win The French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in the 1950s. The complex features 24 lighted courts for neighborly matches, team practices and year-round tennis clinics. “It’s a gem of the city. You’ll find people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds here,” Toro-Steinmetz says. “If you’re not playing tennis, you’re walking around the park.” She also notes that the playground and dog park are very popular. The Cross City Trail, a 15-mile multi-use path that connects points of interest across Wilmington, passes through the park’s east side. It runs north to Anne McCrary Park, which offers a more natural setting with a large lake and overlook. Residents can join the Nir Family YMCA to access an indoor pool and gym.
The Cross City Trail surrounds the lake at Anne McCrary Park near Empie Park.
Nir Family YMCA offers daily activities for Empie Park residents.
1/2
A repurposed streetcar line
Empie Park’s streetcar history makes it a walkable and bikeable neighborhood today. Once traversed by trolleys in the early 1900s, Park Avenue features a lighted paved path that courses through the center of the neighborhood, connecting to the Cross City Trail. Residents can see a preserved piece of the former streetcar line at the restored Audubon Trolley Station. The small concrete shelter topped with a green terra cotta tile roof is a last-of-its-kind landmark added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. Driving is the primary way to get around the rest of Wilmington, with the major thoroughfares of Oleander Drive, College Road and Independence Boulevard close by. Downtown Wilmington is about 4 miles away, while Wilmington International Airport is about 6 miles away. Wrightsville Beach, a popular destination for Wilmington residents and seasonal visitors alike, is less than a 7-mile drive. Public transit is easy to use here, with four Wave Transit bus routes going through the neighborhood.
School halls once walked by a tennis legend
Empie Park is zoned for New Hanover County Schools. Winter Park Elementary School is about a mile from the neighborhood and earns a B rating from Niche. Williston Middle, closer to downtown, receives a B-minus. The school was formerly Williston High School, which professional tennis trailblazer Althea Gibson attended in the 1940s. Today, middle school students can follow in her footsteps, as nearly all local middle school tennis teams practice at the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex in Empie Park. John T. Hoggard High School has an A and is ranked the third-best public high school in Wilmington. Two popular private options are Cape Fear Academy and Coastal Christian High School, whose tennis teams also play in Empie Park.
Winter Park Elementary School serves children from Empie Park and the surrounding communities.
John T. Hoggard High School received an A on Niche.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Empie Park, Wilmington sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Empie Park, Wilmington over the last 12 months is $214,950, down 52% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Park Place Condominiums! This 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo overlooks the community pool and offers convenient living in the heart of Midtown Wilmington. Located directly across from Harris Teeter, Drift Coffee, and multiple shops and restaurants, everything you need is just steps away. Empie Park is right next door, providing access to basketball courts, tennis courts, a dog park,
Step into this one-of-a-kind mid-century time capsule tucked in the heart of Wilmington! With over 1,175 sq. ft., the home blends 1950s character with playful modern touches. The kitchen is a true conversation starter -- bold pops of color, custom cabinets, and a reverse osmosis water system create the perfect place to cook, gather, and entertain.Inside, you'll find three bedrooms and two baths,
PRIME LOCATION - INVESTOR ALERT!Located just 3 miles from UNCW, 4118 Peachtree Ave presents a fantastic opportunity as either a primary residence or an investment property. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a functional floor plan with vaulted ceilings in the living room, one bedroom on the main level, two spacious bedrooms upstairs, wooded yard with private backyard and no HOA
The Helmsman apartments have it all. Choose a studio, one-, two-, or three-bedroom floor plan each tailored for the way you live and immerse yourself in this incredible living experience. Especially for you. Explore our website to learn more about this amazing community and set up a personal tour today!
Within sight of Empie Park, this one bedroom, one bath apartment is close to everything! Washer and dryer and new flooring. Pets with owner approval and appropriate pet fees. Tenant pays electric, water, sewer, trash. Sorry, no students. Available now.
This stunning unfurnished 3-bed, 2-bath historic Craftsman, renovated in 2019 and refreshed in Nov 2024, offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and classic charm. Prime Midtown Wilmington location just 1 minute to Whole Foods, Starbucks, Independence Mall, and only 7 miles to Wrightsville Beach.INCLUDED: Water, high speed Wi Fi, lawn care -- no extra bills!WELLNESS UPGRADE:
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
